Jong, Mats

Abstract [en]

The aim of this intervention study was to illuminate the meaning of ICT-basedcaregiver support as experienced by older family carers living in vast ruralareas, caring for a spouse at home. In order to access the support serviceparticipants were provided with a computer and high speed Internet in theirhomes. Semi structured webcam-interviews were carried out with 31 familycarers. A strategy for webcam interviewing was developed in order to ensurequality and create a comfortable interview situation for the family carers.Interviews were analyzed using content analyses, resulting in the themes: Adoptingnew technology with help from others and Regaining social inclusion.The results indicate that ICT-based support can be valuable for older familycarers in rural areas as it contributes to improve quality in daily life in anumber of ways. In order to fully experience the benefits, family carers needto be frequent users of the provided support. Adequate training andencouragement from others were essential in motivating family carers to use thesupport service. Access to Internet and webcamera contributed to reducingloneliness and isolation, strengthening relationships with relatives living faraway and enabled access to services no longer available in the area. Use of theICT-service had a positive influence on the relationship between the oldercarer and adult grandchildren. It also contributed to carer competence andpromote feelings of regaining independence and a societal role.